Thibodaux police: Man uses fear of arson to avoid eviction

The Thibodaux Police Department says a man used fear of arson in an attempt to avoid eviction.

According to police, Wayne Reed, 55, tore up eviction papers ordering him to vacate the family home that he shares with the victim.

Police say Reed repeatedly threatened to burn the house down along with the other family house on the property with everyone in it, at one time giving details on how he would trap the victim in his home.

Thursday at about 1:41 p.m., Reed brought a group of females to the 1200 block of St. Charles Street to fight with the victim, prompting the victim to call the police.

Reed was arrested Saturday when he was seen on Legarde Street and booked with felony communicating of false information of planned arson.